Before there was MJ, there was Doctor J. The late 70s were a pivotal time for professional basketball, with two competing leagues and television broadcasts skyrocketing just like Doctor J dunking from the free throw line. Julius was the pied piper of the ABA, and a major poker chip in the dealings of the merger. In 1976, which was the year heading into the Merger, Julius won his second ABA Championship and second ABA Playoffs MVP (he was also a 3x league MVP). During his 16 seasons as a pro, none of his teams ever missed a postseason. He also won an NBA Championship (1983), as well as a league MVP (1981). The Nets, Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs joined the NBA for the 1976–1977 season. The Sixers decided to offer to buy Erving's contract for $3 million—in addition to paying roughly the Nets same amount as their expansion fee— and Boe had little choice but to accept the $6 million deal. Years later, Boe regretted having to trade Erving to join the NBA, saying, "The merger agreement killed the Nets as an NBA franchise." Erving quickly became the leader of his new club and led them to an exciting 50-win season. However, playing with other stars-such as former ABA standout George McGinnis, future NBA All-Star Lloyd Free and aggressive Doug Collins allowed him to focus on playing more team-oriented ball. Despite a different role, Erving stayed unselfish. The Sixers won the Atlantic Division and were the top-drawing team in the NBA. They defeated the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, to win the Eastern Conference. This jersey is accompanied by a letter from SIA, which states in part: ‘photo matched Julius Erving wearing this jersey during the 1976-1977 NBA season on October 23, 1976 (his first NBA road game); November 7, 1976; November 13, 1976; December 25, 1976 (Christmas Day); and January 2, 1977 (Erving’s first time back at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum after being traded from his old team–the New York Nets). Overall during these five games, Erving had 90 points, 27 rebounds, 15 assists and three blocks. The jersey is also matched to four undated photos versus the Bucks; one undated photo where the opponent is unknown; and the 1977-78 Street & Smith’s Pro & College Basketball Yearbook Magazine cover. Lastly the jersey is an apparent match to October 27, 1976; January 8, 1977; and four undated photos versus the Bucks. On the front left tail of this blue mesh jersey, is the Wilson size 42 label with wash instructions. Attached is a faded tag that looks like it once had ‘4” X LONG’ handwritten on it. Above The Wilson label is a strip tag with the year (76) stitched in white. Team name (SIXERS) arched across the chest, and player number (6) on the front and back - both done in white on red tackle twill. Amazing wear and puckering to both front and back numbers. Player name (ERVING) arched across the back, in white tackle twill. This jersey is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows outstanding wear. It was originally sourced directly from Doctor J’s son by Grey Flannel and sold privately to a collector who has had it ever since and now it is being offered publicly for the first time. Accompanied by letters from both Sports Investors and Photo-Match.com, confirming the matches.